It was a historic day for Marta. The 35-year-old veteran, one of the most recognizable faces in women's football, became the first player to score in five consecutive Olympic Games after netting twice during Brazil's opening 5-0 rout of China at the Tokyo Games. 

For Jia Xiuquan's side, however, it was an ordeal to forget. The scoreline was not a fair reflection of the much-anticipated encounter, but it was still the second-worst loss for the Steel Roses. There had been a lingering doubt ahead of the tournament, which started on Wednesday, that their defense was vulnerable, and so it proved. 

Marta needed only nine minutes to open the scoring and enter the Olympic Games record books, with Debinha adding another before the interval. China shrugged off the lackluster start and created loads of chances during the second half, but Wang Shanshan, Wang Shuang, Wurigumula and Zhang Xin were all denied by the woodwork. 

For all their attacking intent and trademark resilience, China were left ruing those missed opportunities when Brazil started turning the screws late on. With unrivaled lethal efficiency, Marta extended her record as the highest scorer for her country with her second goal and Brazil's third, before Andressa Alves converted a spot-kick and Bia Zaneratto put the icing on the cake.

Marta's feats have grabbed the attention of Brazilian football legend Pele, who sang the praises of his compatriot and hailed Marta as "much more than a footballer." 

"Your achievement means much more than a personal record. This moment inspires millions of athletes from so many other sports, from all over the world, who fight for recognition," wrote Pele on Instagram. 

"Congratulations on your trajectory. Congratulations, you are much more than a football player. You help build a better world with your talent, in which women gain more space."

In sharp contrast, China coach Jia was in downbeat mood after the game, insisting he took full responsibility for the heavy loss. "I would like to say sorry to the fans at home, the responsibility entirely lies with me and has nothing to do with the players. The team did their best," he told a press conference. 

Jia's side will continue their Group F campaign when they take on Zambia on Saturday, and Wang Shuang, a constant threat to Brazil on the pitch, remained defiant despite defeat. 

"We hit the woodwork four times and obviously luck was not on our side today," she said. "We have two more group games coming up and we can adjust our mindset to reach our goal of qualifying for the knockout stages." 

Elsewhere, the U.S., who are widely considered the favorites to win gold in Tokyo, suffered their first defeat in 45 matches as they lost 3-0 to Sweden in their opener. Stina Blackstenius sparkled and gave Sweden a shock two-goal cushion. Lina Hurtig then got a third midway through the second half to seal the famous win. 

"Did we expect this result tonight? No," said U.S. star Megan Rapinoe during the post-match interview. "It's frustrating, and it's frustrating that it's Sweden. They found a lot of space on us. I don't even know how many goals we have given up this whole year. I don't remember the last time we gave up a goal. So to give up three is not great."

Despite the surprise setback, it's not all doom and gloom for the U.S. as there is still a long way to go. In 2008, they also lost their opener, but went on to win the tournament. 

Meanwhile, hosts Japan salvaged a 1-1 draw with Canada thanks to a late equalizer from Mana Iwabuchi, European champions Netherlands thrashed Zambia 10-3 and Australia beat New Zealand 2-1.